Bois 1920

The story

The story of Bois 1920 begins in Florence in the 1920s. Guido Galardi, whom the house calls “the forefather”, experimented with his first formulas in his small artisan workshop, gathering spigo, the lavender that blooms in the fields on the hills around the city. From his research came essential oils, scented solutions and perfumed sachets. Since then, the house writes, the passion for the art of perfumery has been handed down within the Galardi family. Today the brand is based in Borgo Santi Apostoli, in the centre of Florence, which is also home to the Bottega Italiana Spigo, where presentations and masterclasses are held. The same family is behind Profumo di Firenze, the project dedicated to the city.

The name is an acronym: BOIS stands for Bottega Italiana Spigo, and 1920 recalls the years when it all began. The house defines itself as “a brand of artisan perfumes from Florence” and brings together, in its own words, “tradition, research and innovation”. Behind every fragrance there is careful study, and each component of the finished product, from the perfume to the bottle, “is to be understood as a work of art”.

Today's line made its debut in 2005 with eight fragrances, among them Real Patchouly and Agrumi Amari di Sicilia. In 2011 came Oltremare. In 2012 Bois 1920 was selected “among the five best olfactory expressions” at the FiFi Awards in New York, the Oscars of perfumery. In 2013 Oro 1920 was born, from which the Oro Collection took shape; in 2018 Paranà, in 2019 the Cannabis collection, in 2020 Centenario. Then came the Artistic Collection, with Frammenti (2023) and Policromia (2025), and Giardinomirabile, “an anthology of non-existent perfumes and imagined plants”, with Sandalvia and Scorzaforza, presented at Esxence in 2024 together with Gioco all'Alba. Marasma dates from the same year. Since 2025 master perfumer Arturetto Landi has signed Art1920, Decisamente Rosa and Musk1920: “Three fragrances. A single creative vision”, also designed to be layered.

The bottles are made, the house writes, “by the masters of blown glass”: sandblasted, laminated and lacquered. The caps range “from the warm essences of wood to the shine of zamak” and bear the logo; the box is finished with gilded frames. Alongside the perfumes there are the Profumo in Crema, with argan oil, cotton oil and hyaluronic acid, and the home fragrances. Among its best sellers the house lists Marasma, Policromia, Art1920, Oltremare, Paranà and Frammenti. Bois 1920 exhibits at Esxence, the Milan fair of artistic perfumery. Everything is born in Florence, and it is Made in Italy.

The collections

• Trasparenti: the collection that gathers many of the house's best sellers. Marasma, Art1920, Oltremare, Paranà, Centenario, Gioco all'Alba.
• Artistic Collection: “a celebration of the Italian art of perfumery”. Policromia, Frammenti.
• Oro Collection: five intense, long-lasting fragrances, born from Oro 1920 (2013). Oro 1920, Oro Nero, Oro Bianco, Oro Rosso, Oro Rosa.
• Classici and Voluttuose: the 2026 creations by Arturetto Landi. Musk1920, Decisamente Rosa.
• Giardinomirabile: since 2024, “an anthology of non-existent perfumes and imagined plants”. Sandalvia, Scorzaforza.
• Cannabis: since 2019, to “offer a sensory experience without prejudice”. Cannabis Fruttata, Cannabis Dolce.
• Limited Art Collection: Astratto (2023).
• The first fragrances, 2005: Real Patchouly, Agrumi Amari di Sicilia.
• Profumo in Crema: the scented body lotion. Oro Bianco, Oro Rosso, Paranà, Oltremare, Sensual Tuberose.

OUD Profumeria Artistica is an authorised Bois 1920 retailer, online and at the shop in Nettuno (Rome).

Frequently asked questions

What does Bois 1920 mean?
BOIS is the acronym of Bottega Italiana Spigo. Spigo is the lavender that Guido Galardi, the family's forefather, gathered on the hills around Florence in the 1920s for his first formulas. The brand still belongs to the Galardi family.

Are Bois 1920 perfumes for men or for women?
They are unisex. Those looking for citrus freshness choose Oltremare or Scorzaforza; those who love woods, leather and spices Oro 1920, Gioco all'Alba and Paranà; those who prefer flowers Decisamente Rosa, Oro Rosa and Centenario.

Which Bois 1920 perfume should I choose?
To begin with, the three best loved: Marasma, marine and fruity, with pineapple, salt and amber woods; Policromia, fruity and amber, with raspberry, lime and tuberose; Art1920, woody and fruity, with oud, sandalwood and leather. For rose Decisamente Rosa, for citrus Oltremare, for the Oro line its forerunner Oro 1920.

Which Bois 1920 perfume is similar to Oltremare?
Those who love Oltremare will find citrus again in Agrumi Amari di Sicilia, more essential, and in Scorzaforza, with lemon, mandarin and mint. For a marine, fruity character, with pineapple and salt crystals, there is Marasma.

What is the difference between Cannabis Fruttata and Cannabis Dolce?
Cannabis Fruttata is aromatic and fruity: oregano, rosemary and fig leaves, then cannabis and blueberry. Cannabis Dolce is spicy and gourmand: cocoa and pimento, then cannabis, cardamom and black pepper over a base of vanilla and amber woods.

Does Bois 1920 also make a perfume in cream?
Yes. The Profumo in Crema is the body lotion of the best-loved fragrances, with argan oil, cotton oil and hyaluronic acid. We carry Oro Bianco, Oro Rosso, Paranà, Oltremare and Sensual Tuberose.

Where can I buy Bois 1920 perfumes?
OUD Profumeria Artistica is an authorised Bois 1920 retailer: you will find them online, with free shipping in Italy over €60 and 10 free samples over €100, and at the shop in Nettuno (Rome).